The ancient procurement process in the City of Chicago has most often resulted in poor quality, very expensive, technology projects—in particular, websites. Case-in-point is cityofchicago.org.
The proposal below, which has been shared with the city, suggests a new approach to IT procurement that emphasizes the economic development benefits of good design.
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A modern urban economy that creates twenty-first century jobs requires a strong technology sector. In order to attract top talent, Chicago city government should live and breathe good design and technology.
When Seattle wished to increase the number of LEED-certified buildings, it set an example by making its own new buildings LEED-certified. Chicago, which led in open data, can now set an example in good design for government, starting with CityofChicago.org.
We propose a “design invitational” in which top designers explore ways to improve one or more functions of the city’s main website.
How it would work
- Assemble a panel of experts from around the country who have designed effective websites for large audiences.
- Invite any firms from around the world who are interested in showing how design can help a city improve communication with—and services for—its residents.
- Select four firms (chosen by the panel of design experts) to develop and prototype ideas for improving the city’s website. Pay each firm $50,000 from city funds.
- Share the ideas with other cities, the public, the media, and the international design community.
- Engage one or more of the firms, if desired, in a redesign of the city’s main website.
Long term benefits
If successful, an expert screening panel could become part of a leaner procurement process for projects in which good design and technology are essential. A similar model is working well in the UK for many projects of this type.
